Unite: Secure future for JLR's UK plants ‘just reward’ for loyal
workforce
15 October 2010
The future for Jaguar Land Rover's manufacturing UK plants has
been secured until 2020 at least in a ground-breaking deal Unite,
the UK's leading union said today (Friday).
The JLR manufacturing sites at Castle Bromwich and Solihull had
faced an uncertain future but - following extensive negotiations
between the company and the union - they are now secure for the
next decade and hopefully beyond.
The deal also provides for a two year pay deal for over 8,000
workers at JLR, which will see their pay increase by five per
cent from November 1 followed by RPI plus 0.5 per cent next year.
In addition, thousands of new skilled jobs will be created.
Dave Osborne, Unite's lead negotiator for the car industry,
said: "This agreement secures the future of all JLR workers in the
UK for the next 10 years and beyond.
"Just 18 months ago our members agreed to changes to their terms
and conditions which ultimately helped the company navigate its way
through an unprecedented recession. There can be no bigger sign of
loyalty to JLR than that.
"Today our members have been rewarded for that bold and
pragmatic approach.
"Our main objectives have been twofold: first, to secure a
future of all our members at JLR in the UK and second to secure a
first class pay settlement for a first class workforce.
"In September last year, JLR announced its intention to close
one of the west Midlands manufacturing plants. Unite consistently
opposed such a strategy so we are delighted to have reached an
agreement which will ensure all JLR operations in the UK will
remain as part of our industrial landscape. In addition, with this
pay deal, we have delivered for the workforce the inflation-beating
settlement they deserve.
"Our members can be proud of their contribution, which paved the
way for this agreement and which will secure their livelihoods and
that of their families for years to come.
"The settlement receives unanimous support from our negotiators.
We hope our members will overwhelmingly support our recommendation
in a ballot to be held shortly."
The landmark deal includes:
- The retention of the three manufacturing plants in the UK
(Halewood, Solihull and Castle Bromwich), plus the two product
development sites at Gaydon and Whitley, until at least 2020
- A two-year pay deal from the workforce, with five per cent
in year one and inflation plus 0.5 per cent in year two
- Plans for new models and volume growth
- Multi-billion pound investment into JLR
- An estimated 4,000 new jobs to be created over the next decade,
including more than 1,500 in Halewood, Liverpool in 2011
ENDS
For further information, please contact Pauline Doyle on 07976
832 861
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